ICPC Launches Investigation Into Uche Nnaji’s Alleged Certificate Forgery

• The ICPC has begun investigating former minister Uche Nnaji over alleged forgery of his university degree and NYSC certificates.
• The probe follows a Premium Times investigation that led to his resignation in 2025. UNN and NYSC have both denied issuing the certificates linked to him.

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has launched a formal investigation into alleged certificate forgery involving former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, Premium Times has reported.

The investigation follows a two-year probe by Premium Times published in October 2025, which alleged that Nnaji forged his university degree and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificates submitted during his ministerial confirmation in 2023. He resigned from office three days after the report was released.

Sources said the ICPC has written to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, and the Nigerian Senate, requesting copies of the academic and NYSC documents Nnaji submitted for his appointment.

If the allegations are confirmed, Nnaji could face prosecution for forgery and related offences.

The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), where Nnaji reportedly claimed to have graduated, is also under investigation. The university’s registrar, Celine Nnebedum, has appeared before ICPC officials to clarify the institution’s records.

UNN had earlier issued conflicting statements on Nnaji’s academic status. While the registrar initially said he was admitted in 1981 and graduated in 1985, the university later recanted, stating it could not find his name in the graduation records. In October 2025, UNN formally confirmed that Nnaji did not complete his studies and was never awarded a degree.

This position aligns with earlier statements by UNN Vice-Chancellor, Professor Simon Ortuanya, who confirmed that although Nnaji was admitted, he did not graduate.

The ICPC has requested additional documents from UNN for further verification. It remains unclear whether these documents have been submitted. ICPC spokesperson John Odey declined to comment, citing leave.

Separately, the National Youth Service Corps disowned the discharge certificate allegedly presented by Nnaji. He had earlier filed a suit seeking to stop UNN from releasing his academic records, but the university had already confirmed the forgery in response to FOI requests.